Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia: George Russell on confidence

George Russell has won races in Australia, Austria and Azerbaijan this season

George Russell says he "doesn't feel lost any more" as he seeks to end a difficult season on a high and chase down team-mate Kimi Antonelli's championship lead.

The Briton trails Antonelli by 66 points in the championship with either seven or eight races still remaining.

"I know what I need from the car and myself and I don't really feel lost any more.

Mercedes are expecting a strong challenge from McLaren at the flowing Sepang track this weekend as its characteristics should suit the world champions' car.

Asked whether another strong performance at this weekend's Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia could change the psychology of the title fight, Russell said: "I've never really felt in a position to fight for the victories because my performances weren't strong enough.

"Of course there is a big deficit in the championship, but there is a third of a season to go and still so much can happen. I am just going to go race by race. I feel more at one with the car and hopefully this upgrade will play into my favour a bit more. So bring it on."

"So what I set out to achieve, in terms of getting the car [into] a slightly better window, I'm now achieving without having to think about it as much. So I can just focus on driving fast."

The Italian said: "Last weekend was probably there worst weekend from me of the season.

"I wasn't happy after the race but I learned the most important learning was I need to be always 100% because if I don't try to do everything right in my power then nothing is going to come my way."

Lewis Hamilton has declared Frederic Vasseur as "the guy to lead us" two days after Ferrari made an unusual public statement backing their team principal after speculation over this position.

"He's doing a fantastic job," Hamilton said. If you look at the history, how many people [have been swapped] out [of] that role… and I feel like it's in a better place than it's been before.